Radha Soami

SethShivDayalSingh

Radha Soami is a spiritual movement that originated in the 19th century in India. The term "Radha Soami" translates to "Lord of the Soul" and is used to refer to the supreme being. The movement is also known as Radhasoami or Radha Swami.

History

The Radha Soami movement was founded by Shiv Dayal Singh in 1861 in Agra, India. Shiv Dayal Singh, also known as Soami Ji Maharaj, was born in 1818 and is considered the first spiritual leader or Sant Satguru of the Radha Soami faith. The movement emphasizes the importance of a living spiritual master who can guide followers on their spiritual journey.

Beliefs

Radha Soami teachings are based on the principles of Sant Mat, which means "Path of the Saints." The core beliefs include:

• The existence of a supreme being referred to as Radha Soami.
• The importance of a living spiritual master or Satguru.
• The practice of Surat Shabd Yoga, a form of meditation that focuses on inner light and sound.
• The belief in the soul's journey towards ultimate union with the supreme being.
• Ethical living, including vegetarianism, abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and leading a moral life.

Practices

The primary practice in Radha Soami is Surat Shabd Yoga, which involves meditation on the inner light and sound. Followers are initiated into this practice by a living master. The meditation practice is aimed at achieving higher states of consciousness and ultimately merging the soul with the supreme being.

Organization

The Radha Soami movement has several branches, each led by a different spiritual master. Some of the prominent branches include:

• Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) - Based in Beas, Punjab, India.
• Radha Soami Satsang Dayalbagh - Based in Dayalbagh, Agra, India.
• Radha Soami Satsang Soami Bagh - Also based in Agra, India.

Each branch operates independently but shares the core beliefs and practices of the Radha Soami faith.

Literature

Radha Soami teachings are documented in various spiritual texts, many of which were written by the founding master, Shiv Dayal Singh. Some of the key texts include:

• Sar Bachan - A collection of the teachings of Shiv Dayal Singh.
• Prem Patra - Letters of love and guidance from the master to his followers.

Influence

The Radha Soami movement has influenced various other spiritual movements and has a significant following in India and abroad. It has contributed to the spread of Sant Mat teachings and the practice of Surat Shabd Yoga.

See also

• Sant Mat
• Surat Shabd Yoga
• Shiv Dayal Singh
• Radha Soami Satsang Beas
• Radha Soami Satsang Dayalbagh